Start your WhatsApp shop in seconds.
What shop type do you want to start?
Medical shop
Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a physical shop/GST/license to start a shop on chotu?
NO. chotu is NOT a marketplace. chotu is purely an ordering app for your shop. How much you gain orders depends on your local marketing.
Is chotu like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto or Blinkit?
No. Those are delivery apps made for buyers. They control prices, delivery, and own your customer data.
chotu is an ordering app made for you, the shopkeeper. You keep full control: prices, payments and your customer info.
Is chotu same as WhatsApp Business Catalog?
Almost, but one big difference:
With chotu, you get a ready-made catalog for your shop type. No need to type a single word. Just turn OFF items you don’t sell. Plus, you get a QR code and link to share anywhere. With VIP Pass, you can edit your catalog to your liking.
Do customers order with me directly or with chotu?
Orders come straight to your WhatsApp. chotu does not know what is ordered or who your customer is.
Should I install any app?
Yes, you should install the chotu Owner app.
Do customers need to download chotu?
Not mandatory. However, if they install chotu, they can easily reorder with you.
Without chotu app, they can order by:
- Scanning your QR code
- Clicking your shop link you share in WhatsApp groups eetc.,
How will my shop look?
Like any online store (Amazon/Flipkart). Buyers can browse, search, and add to cart. Click on VIEW DEMO to see how your shop will look.
Do I need a laptop, Excel, or English?
No. Only a WhatsApp number is enough. Works in all Indian languages. chotu runs only on mobile.
How do I get paid?
Customers pay you directly, not through chotu. They can give cash in hand or through UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.). No change in payments at all.
Will chotu deliver orders?
No. Delivery is your choice.
- Ask customer to pick up
- Send through your boy/helper
- Use Rapido, Dunzo, etc.
Can customers pay cash?
Yes. As always.
How will I know if I got an order?
You’ll hear a “ka-ching” on the chotu Owner app and get the order on WhatsApp.
Can customers order at night?
Yes. 24×7. You can deliver when you are open.
My customers have cousins in the USA, can they also order?
Yes. Your shop is now open to the whole world, 24X7.
How do I promote my shop?
When you buy a shop, you get a shop link and a QR.
- Share shop link on WhatsApp Status, Groups, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
- Print QR on your shopboard, visiting cards, no-parking boards.
Will I get new customers?
Yes, through your link/QR and local promotion. With VIP Pass, your shop ranks higher on chotu search.
What is VIP Pass?
VIP Pass is a value added service with extra benefits:
- Higher ranking in customer searches
- Ability to edit your shop details
- Priority customer support
How do I buy the VIP Pass?
All shops come with a built-in FREE VIP Pass. You do not need to purchase it right now. You can login to the chotu Owner app to buy the VIP Pass later.
Do I need GST or a physical shop?
No. Just a WhatsApp number is enough. Physical shop is optional.
What does owning a shop mean on chotu?
Like you buy a shop in the real world, you are buying a space in the digital world, which is yours forever.
What if I don’t get orders at first?
Share your shop link with existing customers. Once they try it, they will reorder and refer new buyers. If you have a Google My Business profile, you should update your shop link there too to get more orders.
Who is behind chotu? Can I trust it?
The team has decades of experience at Microsoft, Oracle, airtel and studied at IIT & IIM. They are building chotu with only one purpose: make ordering with local shops as easy as UPI made payments.